BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW Review

The BrokenLore series is a fascinating one, to say the least. Initially beginning with BrokenLore: LOW, which took heavy inspiration from the likes of Silent Hill, the series has evolved into multiple episodes—each with its own unique identity and style. While every game is connected to a larger overarching plot within a single world, the episodes themselves are standalone, allowing players to jump in wherever they please.

BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW is one of the more psychological entries in the series, dealing with serious themes that many will find relatable. Those who have ever struggled with bullying in school will likely connect with the protagonist's journey, but the issues explored go even deeper. From social media addiction and abusive family dynamics to the loss of loved ones, UNFOLLOW touches on these heavy topics and manifests them into pure psychological horror. What ultimately unfolds is a mystery to uncover and an unforgettable journey along the way.

The Story:

UNFOLLOW begins with our protagonist, Anne, waking up on the floor of her house. Unsure of what has happened, she moves from room to room as players piece together fragments of her life. Anne is a social media star, inspired by another content creator whose life she perceives as "perfect." Having allowed content creation to take complete control of her world, she has pushed her friends away; unable to balance her work with her personal life, she has chosen isolation in favor of constant production.

However, this is the Anne of today—not who she used to be. By exploring the house, it becomes clear that Anne once struggled with her weight. Rather than accepting herself, she embarked on a destructive path to change her appearance for the sake of others. Her weight made her the target of every joke at school, and her reliance on food as an escape only worsened the problem. With abusive, unsupportive parents, Anne’s grandmother was her only refuge—until she discovered the real-world YouTuber, Aki. From there, Anne began her transformation into a social media personality, but that was only the beginning of the story.

Returning to the present day, Anne explores her home and revisits these memories; however, with each passing moment, her reality shifts. The house becomes increasingly decrepit, doors lock and open on their own, and visions of her past traumas begin to haunt her. It soon becomes clear she is not alone. Unspeakable horrors now stalk the halls, leaving Anne with nowhere to hide.

What is the truth behind these monsters? What exactly happened to Anne throughout her life, and what were the true events that led her to this point? Will she be able to overcome her obsession with being someone she’s not? These are the questions the player must answer, with environmental storytelling on full display throughout the adventure. With multiple endings to uncover and lingering mysteries that continue in BrokenLore: FOLLOW, UNFOLLOW is an unforgettable story that sticks with players long after the credits roll. It is, quite simply, the primary reason to play the game.

Gameplay:

The gameplay in UNFOLLOW is quite straightforward. It is a first-person, exploration-based horror title that takes players through a multitude of twisted environments. Initially, the house allows players to walk around and turn on the lights; however, the game eventually strips away this option, leaving Anne with only a flashlight. While the flashlight remains with you through each section, the batteries die at the start of every new area, requiring some searching before you can defeat the darkness once again.

Interactive objects are marked with a small white circle indicator, but special collectibles and hidden items are also scattered throughout the world. Collecting all of them provides additional story context, while documents and obtainable comics offer a deeper look into Anne's life.

Beyond simple exploration, the game features multiple stealth and chase sequences. As monsters come to life and set out to find the protagonist, players must use the environment and the crouch mechanic to sneak around and bypass their pursuer. These scenes are scripted, with monsters remaining within localized areas—though they are often guarding a necessary item or blocking the exit. These moments are the most stressful parts of the game and frequently include jump scares; however, the game is forgiving, allowing Anne to take a few hits before being sent back to the last checkpoint. This is the primary source of the game's horror, though there are several other standout moments as well.

One thing UNFOLLOW does exceptionally well is building tension. The music and atmosphere often lead players to believe something is waiting just around the corner, only for nothing to happen. This lures the player into lowering their guard, making the eventual jump scares even more effective. While it may seem like this pattern will repeat predictably, the game constantly changes things up. Sometimes the tension leads to a scare, while other times the payoff is unexpected—ranging from spine-chilling imagery to a heartbreaking revelation. UNFOLLOW pulls off many tricks, evoking a wide range of emotions before reaching its conclusion. While it might not be the scariest game in existence, the subject matter alone is enough to create a lasting sense of unease.

Should you play it?

Although BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW will not be for everyone—especially those who dislike horror—there is still a lot to love here. An initial playthrough lasts roughly five hours, but players should understand that this is only one chapter within a much larger overarching story. There is plenty to find during the first playthrough, and by using the chapter select feature, players can freely return to different sections to find what they missed.

In addition to the collectibles, there are many subtle clues that hint at a broader plot; those who simply rush from point A to point B will ultimately miss out on a lot of context. Players who have finished the game will have a deeper understanding of Anne's life, and returning for a second time will allow them to notice things they previously overlooked.

With the story being its greatest strength, the narrative is the primary reason to play UNFOLLOW, and that alone makes the journey worthwhile. There is some light puzzle-solving for fans of classic survival horror, but don't expect anything too complex, as these sections mainly serve as roadblocks to guide Anne down newly opened paths.

Overall, BrokenLore: UNFOLLOW is an unforgettable chapter in the series that tackles multiple serious themes. The subject matter is something many players will relate to in one way or another, and the twisted manifestations of the protagonist’s traumas will leave players questioning reality. With spot-on environmental storytelling and an intriguing underlying mystery, this is an entry that both fans and newcomers will not want to miss.

VERDICT: Recommended
Reviewed on PlayStation 5